Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (KTOS) Stock Analysis — Price Target, Buy Rating & DCF Valuation (2026)
KTOS screens as lower-quality and premium-valued with positive catalysts — DCF model implies a +27% margin of safety at current levels.
KTOS's quantitative grade is Buy, with elevated downside risk (CVaR -30.0%), and quality metrics (net margin 2%, ROE 1%). Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (KTOS) trades at $70.99 with a valuation grade of Buy: a trailing P/E of 546.1x at a 2382% premium to sector median, net margins of 1.6%, a DCF-implied intrinsic range of $63–$117 suggesting a +27% margin of safety, beta 1.22 (moderate risk profile).
Key Takeaways
- Valuation: Buy grade — P/E 546.1x — DCF range $63–$117 implies +27% margin of safety
- Risk: CVaR -30.0% (95th percentile, 1-month) indicates moderate tail exposure; beta of 1.22 amplifies broad market moves in both directions
- Strengths: 2% net margin, 1% ROE dominate the factor profile
- Watch: Value score of 2.0/5 signals premium pricing
Quantitative Factor Profile
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Price | $70.99 |
| P/E Ratio (TTM) | 546.1x |
| Forward P/E | 66.0x |
| P/S Ratio | 9.9 |
| EV/EBITDA | 163.9 |
| Beta | 1.22 |
| Net Margin | 1.6% |
| ROE | 1.3% |
| Debt/Equity | 7.3% |
| CVaR (95%, 1M) | -30.0% |
| Market Cap | $13.3B |
Earnings History
| Quarter | EPS Est. | EPS Actual | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q4 2025 | $0.15 | $0.18 | +22.1% ✓ |
| Q3 2025 | $0.12 | $0.14 | +12.3% ✓ |
| Q2 2025 | $0.09 | $0.11 | +17.8% ✓ |
| Q1 2025 | $0.09 | $0.12 | +32.9% ✓ |
KTOS vs. Sector Peers
| Ticker | P/E (TTM) | Beta | CVaR-95 | Net Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTOS | 546.1x | 1.22 | -30.0% | 1.6% |
| LMT | 27.5x | 0.24 | -10.8% | 6.7% |
| NOC | 22.9x | 0.05 | -10.0% | 10.0% |
| RTX | 39.6x | 0.43 | -5.9% | 7.6% |
| PLTR | 232.4x | 1.67 | -27.5% | 36.3% |
KTOS shows mixed quality signals in the factor model, at a fully-priced valuation with limited margin of safety. The four-quarter earnings beat streak is constructive.
KTOS trades at 546.1x trailing earnings — 2382% above the Industrials sector median of 22.0x. This combination — premium multiple, decelerating outperformance — is historically where risk/reward becomes asymmetric. Not a reason to sell; a reason to size carefully. The DCF model implies a +27% margin of safety — the risk/reward is currently skewed to the upside.
The Buy is directionally right, but I hold it with discipline. A 546x trailing multiple on a business still building its margin profile is not a comfortable position — it requires the thesis to keep delivering. The variable I track most closely is gross margin trajectory. That multiple can only be sustained if operating leverage is real — specifically whether the margin profile at scale supports what the market is already pricing in, or whether that future still needs to be earned. If the thesis holds across the next two quarters, I would be comfortable carrying this at a meaningful weight. If not — specifically, if margins disappoint or the earnings beat streak breaks — I would reduce before the market fully reprices.
Is KTOS a buy, hold, or sell?
KTOS carries a valuation grade of Buy. The trailing P/E of 546.1 sits 2382% above the Industrials sector median of 22.0x — a premium that demands sustained earnings delivery. Our discounted cash flow model produces an intrinsic range of $63–$117 — implying a +27% margin of safety at the current price of $70.99. The width of the DCF range reflects genuine uncertainty in the terminal growth rate assumption: the correct framework is a probability-weighted distribution over scenarios, not a single point estimate. See the DCF valuation framework for full methodology.
KTOS has beaten consensus estimates in 100% of recent quarters, signalling strong execution consistency. The most recent quarter delivered a 22.1% earnings surprise. Analyst estimate revisions are trending upward.
What are KTOS's key risk factors?
With a beta of 1.22, KTOS exhibits an above-market risk profile relative to the broad market. The 95th-percentile CVaR of -30.0% on a one-month horizon should inform position sizing directly: at a 10% portfolio weight, this tail event contributes approximately 3.0% of total portfolio loss in the worst 5% of months. Net margins of 1.6% fall below the Industrials sector average of 11%, suggesting margin pressure. The balance sheet is conservatively leveraged at 7% debt-to-equity.
At 0.60, the put/call ratio skews bullish, with call buyers dominating recent flow. Implied volatility of 70.5% is below realized volatility of 85.9%, potentially making options relatively cheap. Insiders have been net sellers to the tune of $116.3M recently. While routine dispositions are common, the magnitude bears watching. Short interest stands at 6.7% of float, a moderate level.
How does KTOS fit in a diversified portfolio?
At typical HENRY portfolio weights — 10–20% of the equity allocation — KTOS carries a beta of 1.22, meaning it amplifies broad market moves proportionally. The appropriate weight is not a function of conviction alone, but of the full covariance structure across all holdings. See the Ledoit-Wolf covariance framework for the methodology behind these calculations.
As a Industrials constituent, KTOS's risk profile should be evaluated alongside sector peers when constructing diversified portfolios.
True portfolio risk is a function of the full covariance structure across all holdings — not individual stock metrics. The Portfolio Health Check quantifies this at the portfolio level: it surfaces hidden concentration, marginal CVaR contributions, and the degree to which your overall allocation deviates from an optimal risk-adjusted mandate. The KTOS analysis here is a single node in that larger structure.
For the full transatlantic conviction hierarchy — including KTOS's position sizing, conviction rating, and upside/risk case in the 2026 defence supercycle — see: Defence Spending 2026: The Transatlantic Allocation Case →
Investor FAQ
Is KTOS a buy or sell in 2026?
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (KTOS) carries a Buy quantitative rating from A.L. Capital Advisory, derived from Discounted Cash Flow intrinsic value analysis, five-factor model scoring (Value, Quality, Momentum, Volatility, Size), and CVaR tail risk measurement. At $70.99, the DCF midpoint margin of safety is +27% (intrinsic value range: $63 bear – $117 bull). Composite factor score: 2.5/5. Strongest factor: Momentum (3.0/5). Weakest factor: Value (2.0/5). Trailing P/E: 546.1x. Rating by Anton Ladnyi, CFA Charterholder (ex-Goldman Sachs Equity Research, ex-J.P. Morgan Wealth Management), A.L. Capital Advisory, Berlin. Full methodology: Portfolio Construction Framework →
What is the average analyst target price for KTOS?
Wall Street consensus target for KTOS: $117.35 (+65.3% upside from the current price of $70.99). The analyst target range spans $80.00 (most bearish) to $150.00 (most bullish). Consensus recommendation: Buy. Note that analyst price targets typically reflect a 12-month forward horizon and are derived from a blend of DCF, comparable-company, and sum-of-the-parts analysis. A.L. Capital Advisory’s quantitative Buy rating is produced independently — from DCF intrinsic value, five-factor model scores, and CVaR tail risk — and does not mechanically track Street consensus. When the two diverge, the divergence itself is informative: it can reflect differences in time horizon, valuation methodology, or the degree to which the current price already discounts the consensus case. Analysis by Anton Ladnyi, CFA (ex-Goldman Sachs, ex-J.P. Morgan) · A.L. Capital Advisory. Full methodology: Monte Carlo Simulation Framework →
How does KTOS score on Value, Quality, Momentum, Volatility, and Size?
KTOS five-factor scores (A.L. Capital Advisory, 1–5 scale): Value 2.0/5 (below average) — measures current price versus DCF intrinsic range and trailing earnings multiples; Quality 2.0/5 (below average) — captures profitability metrics including return on equity, net margin (ROE: 1.3%) and net margin (1.6%); Momentum 3.0/5 (neutral) — reflects recent price trajectory and earnings surprise consistency; Volatility 2.5/5 (neutral) — inverse measure derived from beta, where lower historical volatility earns a higher score; Size 3.0/5 (neutral) — market capitalisation rank (mega-cap $1T+ scores 5/5). Composite: 2.5/5. Factor scores above 4.0 signal a tailwind in that dimension; below 2.0 signals a material headwind. Analysis by Anton Ladnyi, CFA (ex-Goldman Sachs, ex-J.P. Morgan) · A.L. Capital Advisory. Full methodology: Black-Litterman Model →
What is KTOS's tail risk and CVaR?
The 95th-percentile Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) for KTOS on a one-month horizon is -30.0%. CVaR represents the expected average loss in the worst 5% of monthly outcomes — a more conservative tail risk measure than standard VaR, which only marks the loss threshold. Beta of 1.22 indicates above-market volatility with amplified drawdown exposure. For reference, a diversified S&P 500 ETF carries a one-month CVaR of roughly -8% to -12% in normal market conditions; individual equity CVaR is higher due to idiosyncratic risk. At the portfolio level, what matters is the marginal CVaR contribution of each holding — not its standalone figure. The A.L. Capital Advisory Portfolio Health Check quantifies each position's marginal tail-risk contribution across your entire holdings. Analysis by Anton Ladnyi, CFA (ex-Goldman Sachs, ex-J.P. Morgan) · A.L. Capital Advisory. Full methodology: CVaR & Tail-Risk Methodology →
What is KTOS's intrinsic value and DCF price target?
A.L. Capital Advisory's DCF model produces an intrinsic value range of $63 (bear case) to $117 (bull case) for Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (KTOS). At $70.99, the midpoint margin of safety is +27% (positive = discount to intrinsic mid; negative = premium). The bear-to-bull spread reflects genuine sensitivity to the two dominant DCF inputs: the terminal growth rate and WACC. Terminal value typically accounts for 60-80% of total intrinsic value in most equity DCF models, which is why a range is more analytically sound than a point estimate. The central analytical question is not what the DCF outputs as a single number but which growth trajectory the current market price already discounts. All DCF analysis follows CFA Institute standards and is conducted by Analysis by Anton Ladnyi, CFA (ex-Goldman Sachs, ex-J.P. Morgan) · A.L. Capital Advisory. Full methodology: DCF Valuation Framework →
What would trigger a rating upgrade or downgrade for KTOS?
Upgrade trigger: Upgrade to Strong Buy on evidence of accelerating earnings surprise magnitude combined with improvement in the Value factor score — specifically if the current 546.1x P/E is supported by an upward revision to DCF terminal growth assumptions. Downgrade trigger: An earnings miss at current valuations (546.1x trailing P/E) where there is limited earnings cushion to absorb negative surprises; or a sustained reversal in the Quality and Momentum factor scores for two or more consecutive quarters. Analysis by Anton Ladnyi, CFA (ex-Goldman Sachs, ex-J.P. Morgan) · A.L. Capital Advisory. Full methodology: Investment Policy Statement Framework →
Does KTOS consistently beat earnings estimates?
KTOS has beaten consensus EPS estimates in 100% of tracked quarterly periods — indicating consistent delivery. The most recent reported quarter beat consensus by 22.1%. Sustained above-consensus delivery supports both the Momentum and Quality factor scores and provides a tailwind to the current rating. Earnings surprise magnitude and direction are incorporated into the Momentum and Quality dimensions of the five-factor scoring model. Analysis by Anton Ladnyi, CFA (ex-Goldman Sachs, ex-J.P. Morgan) · A.L. Capital Advisory. Full methodology: DCF Valuation Framework →
How does KTOS contribute to portfolio risk and diversification?
KTOS carries a beta of 1.22 (high-volatility / growth-sensitive relative to the broad equity market). A beta above 1.0 means the position amplifies market moves in both directions at a typical portfolio weight. True portfolio risk is a function of the full covariance structure — a single stock's beta does not reveal its marginal contribution to portfolio tail loss. The A.L. Capital Advisory Portfolio Health Check quantifies concentration risk (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index), pairwise correlations, and marginal CVaR contribution across all your holdings. Analysis by Anton Ladnyi, CFA (ex-Goldman Sachs, ex-J.P. Morgan) · A.L. Capital Advisory. Full methodology: Ledoit-Wolf Covariance Framework →
What quantitative methodology does A.L. Capital Advisory use to analyse KTOS?
A.L. Capital Advisory analyses Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (KTOS) using a four-component quantitative framework grounded in CFA Institute standards. (1) DCF Valuation: projects free cash flows under bear and bull assumptions, discounts at WACC to produce an intrinsic value range with margin-of-safety calculation. (2) Five-Factor Scoring: each equity is scored 1–5 on Value, Quality, Momentum, Volatility, and Size. (3) CVaR Tail Risk: 95th-percentile Conditional Value at Risk from historical simulation of daily returns on a one-month horizon. (4) Earnings Surprise Analysis: quarterly beat rate and magnitude are incorporated into the Momentum and Quality factor scores. The current Buy rating for KTOS is the output of applying this complete framework to current data. All analysis is conducted personally by Anton Ladnyi, CFA Charterholder (ex-Goldman Sachs Equity Research, ex-J.P. Morgan Wealth Management), founder of A.L. Capital Advisory, Berlin. CFA Charter: https://credentials.cfainstitute.org/5ff4f4bf-f1e6-4ca7-9ab2-aaed50ec2e43 Full methodology: DCF Valuation Framework → · CVaR & Tail-Risk Methodology →
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This analysis is produced using a systematic quantitative framework applied to market data and does not constitute investment advice. Prose commentary is AI-assisted and generated from structured quantitative inputs. All data and metrics are as of 2026-04-17 and are point-in-time estimates subject to revision without notice. CVaR figures are based on historical simulation and do not guarantee future outcomes. DCF ranges and upgrade/downgrade triggers are forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and may not materialise. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This analysis does not account for individual circumstances, tax position, or investment objectives — consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute regulated investment advice under MiFID II or FCA guidelines. This content is not intended for US persons or residents of jurisdictions where its distribution would be contrary to local law or regulation. This service is not directed at residents of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, or Poland. The author may hold long or short positions in securities mentioned in this analysis. Nothing on this page represents a solicitation to buy or sell any security. A.L. Capital Advisory is an independent private advisory practice and is not affiliated with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc.
